Open Note to Another Captain

[Barney Bear]

Heading in to the mainland just southeast of Timber Island, we were approached by a boat approaching from our starboard quarter. I maintained my course since the other boat was an approaching (overtaking) vessel. When it became obvious that he was not changing his course, I reduced my speed to allow him to pass in front of us. I indicated my displeasure by giving him a thumb's down (I did have a choice of digits to use). The other boat's operator yelled that he had the right-of-way. I presume that he thought he was correct since he was approaching from our right.

There was plenty of lake behind us. He could have easily gone behind us without a change in speed. I believe that most of us would have done so. 🐻

[Hillcountry]

Originally Posted by Barney Bear

Heading in to the mainland just southeast of Timber Island, we were approached by a boat approaching from our starboard quarter. I maintained my course since the other boat was an approaching (overtaking) vessel. When it became obvious that he was not changing his course, I reduced my speed to allow him to pass in front of us. I indicated my displeasure by giving him a thumb's down (I did have a choice of digits to use). The other boat's operator yelled that he had the right-of-way. I presume that he thought he was correct since he was approaching from our right.

There was plenty of lake behind us. He could have easily gone behind us without a change in speed. I believe that most of us would have done so. 🐻

I have seen this same scenario many times and always seem to be the one to “chicken” out from the other boat’s obvious game of chicken.
It’s like most everyone else out there thinks they have the ROW no matter what.

[8gv]

Once the “give way” vessel is not showing any signs of giving way, I alter course or speed to avoid it.

In my experience on Winni this is required about 50% of the time.

So far I have resisted the temptation to communicate any feelings about the bad manners or lack of knowledge to the other captains.

I feel no obligation to educate other boaters.

My sole obligation is the safety of my vessel.

[Descant]

Is this right?
Barney is on course. Vessel #2 approaches from his starboard stern quarter at a higher rate of speed. Barney wisely is keeping a 360 degree look out. So Barney is being overtaken, and has the ROW. #2 moves into Barney's forward starboard quarter and now #2 has the ROW, although still at a higher rate of speed. At some point, Barney slows to avoid a too close approach of the two vessels to each other. Well done, regardless of where the two boats were in the transition of ROW from one to the other. Yes, it probably would have been a safer passage if #2 had altered course and passed behind Barney. #2 should have, in my opinion, done that while Barney still had the obvious ROW. In 49 states without a 150; rule I think this would have been an unremarkable event. (We don't know how close the boats were or for how long, or at what speed except one was faster than the other.)

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by Descant

Is this right?
Barney is on course. Vessel #2 approaches from his starboard stern quarter at a higher rate of speed. Barney wisely is keeping a 360 degree look out. So Barney is being overtaken, and has the ROW. #2 moves into Barney's forward starboard quarter and now #2 has the ROW, although still at a higher rate of speed. At some point, Barney slows to avoid a too close approach of the two vessels to each other. Well done, regardless of where the two boats were in the transition of ROW from one to the other. Yes, it probably would have been a safer passage if #2 had altered course and passed behind Barney. #2 should have, in my opinion, done that while Barney still had the obvious ROW. In 49 states without a 150; rule I think this would have been an unremarkable event. (We don't know how close the boats were or for how long, or at what speed except one was faster than the other.)

IMO, vessel #2 in the description above is always the burdened vessel and cannot legally maintain a collision course. It should have slowed or turned to port to pass behind Barney. I don't believe you can legally transition from the give-way vessel to the stand-on vessel (assuming the original stand-on vessel stands on) by simply overtaking on the starboard side. That said, I get that someone could interpret the rules that way.

[Barney Bear]

While boating on Lake Winnipesaukee for sixty-two years, and earlier on the inland rivers of the eastern states of the U.S.A., trouble has been avoided by anticipating what others might do including sailboat movements, boats towing a tuber or skier, a person running a trot line on a river, a tow boat with a string of barges, or other boats operating nearby on the body of water which I was enjoying. When in doubt of another's intent, I simply changed course, slowed down, or stopped. 🐻

[Weekend Pundit]

Originally Posted by Barney Bear

While boating on Lake Winnipesaukee for sixty-two years, and earlier on the inland rivers of the eastern states of the U.S.A., trouble has been avoided by anticipating what others might do including sailboat movements, boats towing a tuber or skier, a person running a trot line on a river, a tow boat with a string of barges, or other boats operating nearby on the body of water which I was enjoying. When in doubt of another's intent, I simply changed course, slowed down, or stopped. 🐻

I have done likewise.

I automatically assume that other boaters can't see me, are distracted, don't understand or don't care about he "rules of the road", or are affected by the chemical overload sloshing above their eyebrows. Better to back off and let these boaters pass me by and live to boat another day.

However, I do have to admit to having the urge to launch a torpedo at the more egregious of the Cap'n Boneheads...if I had torpedoes.

[Descant]

Originally Posted by Weekend Pundit

...However, I do have to admit to having the urge to launch a torpedo at the more egregious of the Cap'n Boneheads...if I had torpedoes.

There is that urge, but I'ved had treouble coming up with an idea that is not illegal or harmful ti the lake. Water balloons? Paint balls? I doubt that an online photo gallery of Captain Boneheads would reach the desired audience.
Best solution, when things get really bad? Let somebody else drive, splash on some more SPF30 and just roll over.

[Loub52]

Today>. To Captain Bonehead…

…At Town Docks, who cut me off for a docking spot despite acknowledging that I was first in line. (Vessel length is not relevant in this case)

…Just south and west of Horse Island, to the jet skier, who took a hard 90 degree turn less than 100 feet in front of our bow while underway

…Right about Dolly Island, heading northwest toward Sheps, who “flipped me the bird”, for…I honestly don’t know why

I’ll readily render you assistance if you have an issue out on the water. I can only hope you’ll do the same for me.

[Descant]

Originally Posted by Dave R

IMO, vessel #2 in the description above is always the burdened vessel and cannot legally maintain a collision course. It should have slowed or turned to port to pass behind Barney. I don't believe you can legally transition from the give-way vessel to the stand-on vessel (assuming the original stand-on vessel stands on) by simply overtaking on the starboard side. That said, I get that someone could interpret the rules that way.

I can't disagree with you. But I can see where #2 might think that if he gets abeam, he can just continue on, which is what he did. The big point is, Barney kept a 360 degree watch and acted appropriately. Oops. That's two points.
Off course, nobody rang in and claimed to be #2's captain and give us other info.

[8gv]

In these discussions it is important to consider that NOBODY has the "right of way".

There is a "stand on" vessel and a "give way" vessel.

Each is to perform their duties accordingly.

Unless there is certainty that no possibility of collision exists, each captain must assume that a collision is possible and perform their duties to avoid a collision.

The captain of the "stand on" vessel must avoid a collision even if the "give way" vessel does not give way.

[Cal Coon]

Originally Posted by 8gv

In these discussions it is important to consider that NOBODY has the "right of way".

There is a "stand on" vessel and a "give way" vessel.

Each is to perform their duties accordingly.

Unless there is certainty that no possibility of collision exists, each captain must assume that a collision is possible and perform their duties to avoid a collision.

The captain of the "stand on" vessel must avoid a collision even if the "give way" vessel does not give way.

Agreed. Common sense to me...

[Barney Bear]

While coming in to the mainland yesterday at the same location I mentioned in Item#76 above, a boat was fast approaching from my left. As I was in it's "danger zone", I was the stand on vessel (though I remained seated). The other captain altered her/his course and passed behind me without changing speed. I gave a wave (we frequently do this) and continued on our way. 🐻

[Woodsy]

Originally Posted by Barney Bear

Heading in to the mainland just southeast of Timber Island, we were approached by a boat approaching from our starboard quarter. I maintained my course since the other boat was an approaching (overtaking) vessel. When it became obvious that he was not changing his course, I reduced my speed to allow him to pass in front of us. I indicated my displeasure by giving him a thumb's down (I did have a choice of digits to use). The other boat's operator yelled that he had the right-of-way. I presume that he thought he was correct since he was approaching from our right.

There was plenty of lake behind us. He could have easily gone behind us without a change in speed. I believe that most of us would have done so. 🐻

Well, if you were heading to the mainland, and he was on your right (starboard).... he did have the ROW. You were most likely the Give Way Vessel.

Overtaking only applies when the vessel approaches from the stern.... past the 112.5 deg mark.

Woodsy

[Descant]

Woodsy, I took Barney's phrase "starboard quarter" to mean "stern quarter", and thus overtaking. If it was bow quarter up to 112.5, you are correct.

[Barney Bear]

The boat in my above entry was behind the danger zone of dead ahead to two points abaft (aft) of my starboard beam, thus he was the overtaking vessel.

I always yield rather than quibble. I'm retired and I have all day to get to my destination (whole). 😇

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by Descant

Woodsy, I took Barney's phrase "starboard quarter" to mean "stern quarter", and thus overtaking. If it was bow quarter up to 112.5, you are correct.

"Starboard quarter", in marine terms, literally means off the stern on the starboard side. As described, the other captain should have given way long before he/she put the boat on a collision course on the starboard side of the OP's boat.

[Woodsy]

Originally Posted by Descant

Woodsy, I took Barney's phrase "starboard quarter" to mean "stern quarter", and thus overtaking. If it was bow quarter up to 112.5, you are correct.

Descant.....

On first read I took it that way too.... then I reread the thread. If the guy was approaching from the stern quarter, as you indicate, Barney held course and speed the guy would have/should have passed behind him safely... that is what happens past the 112.5 degree mark. Barney also had the option to speed up with the same result.. the guy passes behind Barney.

Barney chose to slow, and allow the guy to pass in front... that action (and that Barney observed the guy was not changing course after some time had passed) tells me the guy was within the 112.5 and Barney was the Give Way.

Like Barney said though... most likely with simple course correction the guy could have safely passed behind Barney. I do that all the time!

BTW.. this is not a criticism of Barney... please don't take it that way. Just dissecting an incident on the lake.

Woodsy